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ILB: Filling the open slot ?
With Oren Burks injured (again), it appears that a partner for Blake Martinez at Inside Linebacker is up for some serious competition. The test, IMO, will come down to several factors.
1. Size : Being big enough to survive the collisions that an ILB must endure from week to week is a prime consideration. At 6'1" and 240 lbs., Ty Summers appears to fit the minimum requirements.
2. Speed : From covering passes to stuffing the run, an ILB will be required to go from covering on a pass play to motoring to the sideline to stop a RB from turning the corner for extra yards.
3. Mental Quickness : An ILB must make very quick decisions on weather to drop into coverage or to step into a hole to stuff a run or etc. Good coaching can get a player from the college level to the pro level. The speed of the game requires faster correct decisions.
4. Agility/Quickness : This category ranges from footwork to handwork to hip orientation. IMO, this too can be coached. Being more savvy about playing the ILB position is directly proportional to a players quickness.
5. Strength : An ILB in the NFL is not a player that can be pushed around. Being in football shape is to be expected, but ILB must possess great arm/hand strength. That said, which GB LBs (aside from Blake Martinez) is a true "Beast"?
The position looks to be an open battle at this point. Might one of the OLBs be moved to the inside position? Will Summers or Crawford or Bolton step up and take over the position? Might it be a photo finish with one wining by a facemask? Is Gute currently searching for a veteran FA to bring in as a ILB starter? We will need to keep a sharper eye upon this position as cut day draws ever nearer.
Let us discuss this topic with the civility, good humor, and seriousness that it deserves. The ILB position can't just be Blake Martinez, no matter how good he is. Who should join him at ILB?
1. Size : Being big enough to survive the collisions that an ILB must endure from week to week is a prime consideration. At 6'1" and 240 lbs., Ty Summers appears to fit the minimum requirements.
2. Speed : From covering passes to stuffing the run, an ILB will be required to go from covering on a pass play to motoring to the sideline to stop a RB from turning the corner for extra yards.
3. Mental Quickness : An ILB must make very quick decisions on weather to drop into coverage or to step into a hole to stuff a run or etc. Good coaching can get a player from the college level to the pro level. The speed of the game requires faster correct decisions.
4. Agility/Quickness : This category ranges from footwork to handwork to hip orientation. IMO, this too can be coached. Being more savvy about playing the ILB position is directly proportional to a players quickness.
5. Strength : An ILB in the NFL is not a player that can be pushed around. Being in football shape is to be expected, but ILB must possess great arm/hand strength. That said, which GB LBs (aside from Blake Martinez) is a true "Beast"?
The position looks to be an open battle at this point. Might one of the OLBs be moved to the inside position? Will Summers or Crawford or Bolton step up and take over the position? Might it be a photo finish with one wining by a facemask? Is Gute currently searching for a veteran FA to bring in as a ILB starter? We will need to keep a sharper eye upon this position as cut day draws ever nearer.
Let us discuss this topic with the civility, good humor, and seriousness that it deserves. The ILB position can't just be Blake Martinez, no matter how good he is. Who should join him at ILB?
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